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Football Ireland

John O'Brien behind the scenes in Irish soccer

Jonathan Douglas seems likely to put his signature to a four-year contract at Blackburn this week, though there was something encouraging in the 22-year-old’s ability to take a step back and question the wisdom of the decision despite the obvious financial inducements. Douglas capped a promising season at Ewood Park by earning his first Ireland cap against Poland, but knows he faces a fight for a first-team place at his club when Barry Ferguson recovers from a serious knee injury.

Similarly with Chris Baird, the talented Northern Ireland full-back who has been offered a new deal at Southampton. ‘I’ve been here six years and I don’t want to leave,’ said Baird, ‘but if the contract is not right and I’m not happy, there is no point in staying.’

What then of Richie Partridge, right, who has been told he will be offered a one-year extension